We all know how ridiculously bright Aussies summers can get. You're at the beach, driving, or you're just trying to walk to the shops without feeling like you're staring into the sun. Even with a decent pair of sunnies, it can feel like too much.
Summer is when many Aussies start shopping for proper shades. It's also when many shoppers start asking what the difference is between polarised and non-polarised sunglasses, and which is actually better.
Here's the straight answer: for most Aussie summers, you want Category 3 lenses with solid UV protection as your baseline. Adding polarised lenses on top of that is usually the most comfortable option. That said, non-polarised sunnies can still work fine for everyday wear. It really comes down to what you're doing outdoors.
Let's break down exactly what polarised sunglasses are, how to tell the difference, and help you figure out what's going to work best for you. At Great Southern Sunnies, we stock a massive range of designer sunglasses, heaps of them polarised, and we're here to make this whole decision a lot easier.
What Polarised Sunglasses Really Do
So, what do we mean when we say ‘polarised’? Polarised lenses have a special built-in filter that blocks intense horizontal glare. You know that blinding reflection you get off water, wet roads, car bonnets and even sand? That's horizontal glare, and polarised lenses are designed to cut it right out.
Regular non-polarised sunglasses can still be dark and protect you from UV rays, but they don't have that extra glare-blocking filter. When you're comparing polarised and non-polarised, think of it this way: non-polarised sunnies dim everything equally. Polarised sunnies dim everything too, but they also specifically target and reduce that harsh reflected light.
It's worth noting that UV protection and polarisation are two separate things. You can have dark Category 3 lenses (more on that later) with excellent UV protection that aren't polarised. And ideally, you want both.
Why Polarised Lenses Are Made for Aussie Summers
Australia throws just about every bright, reflective surface at us. We've got beaches, highways, lakes, rivers, and endless blue skies. If you're spending time outdoors here, you're constantly dealing with glare.
Polarised lenses reduce squinting and eye strain, especially when you're driving or out on the water. Vision feels sharper because you're not battling reflected light. Things just look clearer and more comfortable, which makes a big difference on long summer days.
When you compare polarised and non-polarised lenses for effectiveness under the Aussie sun, polarised tends to win out for most people who are regularly near water or behind the wheel. If you already know polarised is what you're after, flick through our stacked collections of Men's and Women's Polarised Sunglasses.
How to Tell if Sunglasses Are Polarised
It isn’t always obvious to tell if sunglasses are polarised just by looking at them. But there are a few simple ways to find out.
Check the Label or Product Page
Most brands will clearly label if the lenses are polarised, either on a sticker or in the product description. At Great Southern Sunnies, we make sure all our polarised styles are clearly marked on their product pages, and you can always use our live concierge if you're unsure.
Try the Screen Test
If you don't have the packaging, look through your sunnies at your phone or a laptop screen, then slowly rotate the glasses. If the screen goes really dark or changes intensity as you turn it, that's a good sign it's polarised.
Use the Reflective Surface Test
Find something shiny like a car bonnet, glass table or even water. Look at the reflection through your sunnies and rotate them slowly. If the glare noticeably reduces or disappears at certain angles, they're polarised.
Category 3 Sunglasses vs Polarised Sunglasses
Here's where people often get confused. Category 3 and polarised aren't actually an either/or situation.
Lens categories (ranging from 0 to 4) tell you how dark the lens is and how much visible light it blocks:
- Category 0 blocks minimal light.
- Category 1 blocks around 20-57%.
- Category 2 blocks 57-82%.
- Category 3 blocks 82-92% of visible light, making it the most common for everyday bright sun.
- Category 4 blocks 92-97% and is designed for extremely bright conditions like snow or high-altitude environments. These are often too dark for driving.
Category 3 also provides solid UV protection and has that nice dark tint that's comfortable for most outdoor activities without being too dark for driving.
Polarisation is about reducing reflected glare, not just dimming light, and you can absolutely have a pair of sunnies that are both Category 3 and polarised. In fact, that's usually a solid pairing for Australian summers. Loads of Great Southern Sunnies' polarised sunglasses are Category 3 as well.
So, for everyday errands or walking around the city, Category 3 non-polarised might do the job just fine. But for driving, beach days, days on the boat or fishing, Category 3 plus polarised is often the most comfortable and practical option.
When Non-Polarised Sunnies Still Make Sense
There are some cases where non-polarised sunnies make more sense than polarised ones.
Digital Dashboards and Displays
Some car dashboards and instrument panels can look weird through polarised lenses. You might see rainbow effects or parts of the screen darken in strange ways. If you've got a modern car with lots of LCD displays, this can be annoying.
Certain Sports and Activities
Some athletes prefer non-polarised sunglasses for certain sports. Golfers and tennis players sometimes find that polarised lenses mess with their depth perception or the way they read the ground. It's not a dealbreaker for everyone, but it's something to be aware of.
Style and Budget
And sometimes it just comes down to style or budget. If you've found the perfect frame and it's only available non-polarised, that's fine. As long as it meets Australian standards, has solid UV protection and the right lens category, you're still getting important protection.
Best Polarised Sunglasses for Harsh Aussie Summers
So, what are the best polarised sunglasses for dealing with our summers? It comes down to a few things: you want Category 3 or similar darkness for bright sun, polarised lenses for glare reduction, and quality frames from brands you can trust.
Here at Great Southern Sunnies, we stock all the big names. A few favourites:
The Ray-Ban Justin 4165 Rubber Black Light Grey Gradient Polarised is a modern, casual everyday style that's perfect for driving and weekend wear. It's comfortable and looks good on most face shapes.
If you're after something more iconic, the Ray-Ban New Wayfarer 2132 Polarised Shiny Tortoise B15 Brown is hard to beat. It's versatile, timeless and ideal as a go-to pair for Australian summers.
For something more affordable and fashion-forward, check out the Le Specs Fire Starter Polarised. They're stylish, deliver solid glare reduction and won't break the bank.
Ready to find your best polarised sunglasses? Start with our Women's or Men's Polarised Sunglasses collections, or explore favourites like the Ray-Ban Justin, Ray-Ban New Wayfarer and Le Specs Fire Starter.
Simple Checklist to Choose the Right Sunnies for Aussie Summers
Here's a quick rundown to make sure you're getting the right pair:
- Check they block 100% UV and meet Australian/New Zealand standards
- Choose a lens category. Category 3 is ideal for blazing Aussie days
- Decide if you want polarised lenses for extra comfort while driving or near water
- Make sure the frame fits comfortably and suits your face shape
- Shop from a trusted Aussie retailer like Great Southern Sunnies for genuine brands, price match guarantee, free Express Post over $80 and 60-day returns
If you're not sure where to start, our polarised collections are a good bet.
The Verdict: Polarised vs Non-Polarised
The simple rule when choosing sunnies: for most Australian summers, you want Category 3 lenses with strong UV protection as your baseline. Adding polarisation on top of that is often the most comfortable option, especially if you drive regularly or spend time at the beach or on the water.
That said, there's no single 'right' answer. Non-polarised can work perfectly well for everyday wear, and some people prefer them for certain activities. It really comes down to how you live and what you do in the sun. The most important thing is making sure whatever you choose offers proper UV protection and suits the way you actually use your sunnies.
Ready to pick your next pair?
- Explore our Women's Polarised Sunglasses
- Explore our Men's Polarised Sunglasses
Or chat with our live concierge for personalised advice on the best polarised sunglasses for your summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are polarised sunglasses?
Polarised sunglasses are sunglasses with a special lens filter that's designed to reduce harsh reflected glare. Instead of simply dimming all light, polarised lenses block intense horizontal light that bounces off shiny surfaces like water, wet roads, sand and metal. This helps your eyes feel more comfortable, reduces squinting and can make details easier to see in bright, glary conditions.
It's important to remember that polarisation is separate from UV protection. The best option is to choose sunglasses that both block 100% of UV and have polarised lenses, especially if you spend a lot of time driving, at the beach or on the water during Aussie summers.
How can you tell if sunglasses are polarised?
To identify polarised sunglasses, start by checking the product label or description. If you don't have the packaging handy, try the screen test. Hold your sunglasses in front of your phone or laptop screen and slowly rotate them. If the screen goes really dark or changes intensity as you turn the glasses, they're polarised.
You can also try the reflective surface test. Look at something shiny like a car bonnet, glass table, or water through your sunnies and slowly rotate them. If the glare noticeably reduces or disappears at certain angles, you've got polarised lenses.